Device and method for in vivo flow cytometry using the detection of photoacoustic waves

The device uses tunable pulsed lasers and ultrasound transducers to detect photoacoustic waves for non-invasive, high-sensitivity, high-resolution monitoring of unlabeled cells in deep vessels and lymphatic vessels, overcoming the limitations of traditional flow cytometry.

US12661013B2Active Publication Date: 2026-06-23BIOVENTURES LLC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Patents(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
BIOVENTURES LLC
Filing Date
2024-11-04
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing in vivo flow cytometry techniques are limited by the scattering of light through biological tissues, which restricts detection to superficial blood vessels, and they require invasive procedures and toxic fluorescent labeling, making long-term monitoring and detection of rare cells in deep vessels or lymphatic vessels challenging.

Method used

A device using tunable pulsed laser sources and ultrasound transducers to detect photoacoustic waves from target objects, allowing non-invasive detection of unlabeled cells up to 15 cm deep, with adjustable laser parameters and ultrasound detection to enhance sensitivity and resolution.

Benefits of technology

Enables non-invasive, high-sensitivity, high-resolution detection of unlabeled cells in both blood and lymphatic vessels, facilitating early disease diagnosis and continuous monitoring with minimal tissue damage.

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Abstract

A photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC) device for the in vivo detection of cells circulating in blood or lymphatic vessels is described. Ultrasound transducers attached to the skin of an organism detect the photoacoustic ultrasound waves emitted by target objects in response to their illumination by at least one pulse of laser energy delivered using at least one wavelength. The wavelengths of the laser light pulse may be varied to optimize the absorption of the laser energy by the target object. Target objects detected by the device may be unlabelled biological cells or cell products, contrast agents, or biological cells labeled with one or more contrast agents.
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